Understanding how the brain changes in kids with reading and math difficulties
Official title: Neuroimaging
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11400057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how brain networks involved in thinking and control are different in children ages 10–16 who struggle with reading and math.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 1996 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $252,160 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD027802-34 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents aged 10–16 who have difficulties in reading and/or math.
✕Less likely to help
Children without reading or math difficulties may not experience direct benefits from this study.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Colorado will use brain imaging to see how key prefrontal areas connect with reading- and math-related brain regions in kids who have reading or math difficulties. Kids aged 10–16 will perform reading, math, and executive-control tasks while their brains are scanned, helping to map how these networks work together. The study builds on existing data to compare with prior samples and to understand why some children have persistent academic challenges. outcomes may inform new approaches to support executive function and domain-specific learning in affected youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide new strategies to support reading and math development by targeting brain networks involved in executive control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that brain connectivity relates to reading and math skills, supporting the potential for meaningful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banich, Marie T — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Banich, Marie T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.